How to Come up With a Stage Name?

1. What Is a Stage Name?
2. What Is the Purpose of a Stage Name?
3. The Most Popular Artists Who Use a Stage Name.
4. How to Come Up With a Stage Name?
5. Stage Name Ideas
6. What Are Some Cool Stage Names?
7. What Makes a Memorable Stage Name?

Many artists and creatives today are most popularly known by their stage names. These names may give an insight into the Artist's personality; it may also serve as a representation of their art. And, sometimes, it may just be catchy and fun.

Read on to learn more about the concept behind stage names, some examples, and how to create your own!

What Is a Stage Name?

The stage name is a unique signature that helps to distinguish the Artist from their peers. It can be catchy and fun or have a deep-rooted hidden meaning that will only be known to fans after research or a reveal by the Artist. 

Ironically, some of the most iconic entertainers are most notable for their stage names, not their actual ones. 

The stage name can also be the Artist's actual name, the name of the Artist's inspiration, and so much more. Whatever it is, the stage name has to be something the Artist loves to be identified with.

What Is the Purpose of a Stage Name?

Stage names go way back and have been used for many different purposes. Here are some:

• Hide identity: Charlotte Brontë, the author of the widely acclaimed novel Jane Eyre, notably operated under the stage name, or pseudonym, Currer Bell. This helped her conceal her identity at a time when women authors were suppressed. A more modern example is the popular producer Marshmello, well, at least until 2018 when we found out it was DJ Dotcom behind the helmet.
• Build a brand: As an artist and celebrity, it becomes important that the audience can separate the art from the Artist. A stage name helps with this. Artists may choose names that flow with the Hollywood vibe. E.g., Norma Jeane Mortenson chose as her stage name Marilyn Monroe. 
• Roll off the tongue: Some artists have names that are difficult to pronounce or don't essentially roll off the tongue. Therefore, adapting stage names with shorter syllables makes it easier for their fans. E.g. Freddie Mercury's actual name is Farrokh Bulsara.

The Most Popular Artists Who Use a Stage Name

Stage names are very rampant in the entertainment industry. As a matter of fact, they are so rampant that a majority of the artists you know, you only know them by their stage names and not their actual names. Here are some famous artists who use stage names:

• Eminem: The rapper Marshall Bruce Mathers II has his stage name, Eminem, a homophone of the initials of his first and last name, M & M. He also goes by Slim Shady. He uses this as an alter ego to represent a darker version of himself.
• Childish Gambino: In the past, fans have confused his stage persona as a different person to Daniel Glover. The producer, actor, and comedian Daniel Glover is notable for primarily using the stage name Childish Gambino for his musical side.
• Lady Gaga: Born with Stefani Joanne Germanotta, the illustrious actress, dancer, singer, and entertainer is more known by her stage name, Lady Gaga. She has previously stated that she adopted this name based on the popular Queen song "Radio Ga Ga."
• Alicia Keys: Alicia Augello Cook adopted the name "Keys" in addition to her first name, "Alicia," as her stage name. "Keys" is most likely used to symbolize her expertise in playing musical instruments such as the piano.
• Snoop Dogg: Popular rapper Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. is more famous for his stage name, Snoop Dogg. However, unlike many others, Snoop Dogg didn't come up with his stage name by himself. His mother nicknamed him "Snoopy" based on the syndicated comic strip Peanuts.

How to Come Up With a Stage Name?

You may spend hours, days, or even weeks trying to come up with a stage name. Yet, even after all this time, you may be unable to come up with the perfect stage name that actually represents you the way you'd like. This doesn't mean you aren't creative enough; it just means you need a little help.

Follow the below tips to create a stage name that embodies you in a shorter time:

• Use the Stage Name Generator: Stage name generators are websites or online tools that are used to help create nicknames, pseudonyms, aliases, or stage names based on the user's input. The input(s) may include theme, actual name, style, etc.
• Copy and Modify Your Lovely Stage Name: After creating a stage name using the online generator of your choice, you should copy and modify it to your taste. For example, if you prefer a shorter version, you can remove a syllable to make it more catchy. You can also decide to change the spelling or make any other modifications to the name. 
• Modify Your Given Name: You can find a perfect stage name on your hands by making minor adjustments to your actual name. 
• Come up With Your Own: It is also always an option to come up with a stage name the old-fashioned way, i.e., thinking it up.
  • Reflect on Your Persona: To create a stage name, you need to analyze the persona behind the name. What name can represent them? Does your name of choice reflect who they are?
  • Consider Your Genre or Field: The genre or field you wish to dive into should also play a part in your stage name creation process. While not necessary, you are more likely to grab the attention of your target audience when your name appeals to the style they adhere to.
  • Get Inspired By Other Stage Names: Like many famous acts, you can also get inspiration from your source of inspiration or motivation. This can be from the stage names of artists you look up to with some razzle-dazzle of your name.
  • Brainstorm: Your stage name may very well become what you and your craft become forever represented with. Thus, you have to dedicate time to creating something you will forever be proud of. This is why we recommend brainstorming.
  • Test With Real People: When you finally create a stage name you believe is good enough, you should test it out with friends, family, and maybe rangers as well. Observe their reaction. Do they think the stag name does you justice? Listen to their feedback and implement changes if necessary.

Stage Name Ideas

Here are some stage name ideas to help you get started: 

• First name + Fruit.: A mixture of your first name + your favorite Fruit can make a really catchy stage name. Some examples include Kate Berry, Carter Pineapple, Joey Mango, etc.
• First name + Color: You can also mix your first name with color; if you're lucky enough, you might come up with something good. Some examples are Perry Blue, Ryan Pink, Victoria Violet, Bob Green, etc. 
• Acronym of Name: You can also make an acronym from your own name. For example, Jonathan Jeremiah can be JJ or Jay Jay, Matt Erickson can be ME, etc.
• Favorite Place: Your stage name can be based on your favorite location or a place you admire. For example, Paris, Mumbai, Venice, etc., can make good stage names.

What Are Some Cool Stage Names?

Below are some cool stage names you can go through to help you create your own unique stage name:

Musicians/Bands:

• Luna Blaze.
• Electra Vox.
• Nebula Spark.
• Aurora Harmony.
• Midnight Crescendo.

Singers/Vocalists:

• Maverick Steel.
• Nova Noir.
• Orion Frost.
• Indigo Skye.
• Scarlet Seraph.

Dancers/Choreographers:

• Blaze Ryder.
• Celeste Moonwalk.
• Tempo Thunder.
• Seraphina Salsa.
• Zephyr Breaker.

Magicians/Illusionists:

• Arcane Enigma
• Lumos Nexus
• Serenity Spellbinder
• Illuvia Illusionelle
• Enchanto Eon

Comedians:

• Chuckle Maverick.
• Witty Whirlwind.
• Jester Jade.
• Cosmic Guffaw.
• Jeston Nova.

What Makes a Memorable Stage Name?

Stage names don't have to be witty or backed by extreme thought. What makes it stick to the memory is how relatable it is. It has to appeal to the industry in which it's used, represent the Artist and is easy to pronounce. 

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